Pennsylvania’s first Master Watershed Steward Program will be piloted in the Lehigh Valley in 2013 as a collaborative effort between Penn State Extension, the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, the Nurture Nature Center, the Northampton County Conservation District, the PA Environmental Council and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

The Master Watershed Steward Program is an educational extension program that empowers citizens of the Lehigh Valley to take action to address watershed problems throughout the region.  This program is based on proven models used in states throughout the country, will give volunteers the confidence and knowledge they need to work with the community to improve the health of our water resources.

The program is looking for individuals with a keen interest in the environment, a willingness to learn more and most importantly, a strong desire to make a difference in the community.  Whether you are a teacher, an accountant, a construction worker, a homemaker or retired, you can become a Master Watershed Steward.

To become a certified Master Watershed Steward, you must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. In subsequent years, you can maintain your Master  Watershed Steward status by giving at least 20 additional volunteer hours and attending at least 8 hours of update training annually.  Example projects include:

-- Organizing and executing stream cleanups;

-- Designing and installing demonstration rain gardens;

-- Monitoring streams for bacteria;

-- Carrying out stream bank restoration projects; and

-- Organizing educational and information workshops addressing topics such as rain barrels, wildlife, pollution prevention, stormwater management and invasive plant control.

Click Here to read “Do You Want To Be A Master Watershed Steward? Click Here to download an application.  Click Here to download the training schedule.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Watershed Steward should contact Erin Frederick at 610-391-9840 or send email to: elf145@psu.edu for more information.

2/25/2013